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Tretinoin topical User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

Brand names: Retin-A, Altreno, Renova, Retin A Micro, Obagi, Avita, Refissa, Altinac Atralin Retin-A and Renova …show all brand names

Tretinoin topical has an average rating of 7.7 out of 10 from a total of 492 reviews on Drugs.com. 71% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 14% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Tretinoin topical

  • man...
  • October 31, 2008

Retin A Micro (tretinoin) for Acne "This medication is extremely effective when used properly. I developed whiteheads on my cheeks and had rather large pores on my nose with blackheads. I have been using the medication for a total of six months now. Initially, I had some redness, moderate peeling, and some slight burning right after applying the medication. After about three weeks, the side effects subsided, and I started to notice my skin clearing, pore size minimizing, and an overall evening of complexion. I used Phisoderm Deep Cleansing face wash morning and night and then used Neutrogena Oil-free moisturizer with SPF 15 in the morning. My face is very oily, so I did not experience much dryness."

8 / 10
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  • Ran...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 4, 2020

For Acne "The first few weeks, you feel like giving up. Made my skin look very shiny in a weird way, peeling was hard to cover, and the initial purge sucked. That said, like everyone has mentioned on here, it gets better. The purge is cleaning you out, so keep this perspective. I did not feel good about my skin during that time, but I'm so glad I stuck with it. I'm now at week 9 and have 3-4 pimples on my face, skin is super smooth and looks really glowy. Every day keeps getting better. I'm still peeling on and off, but it's less than it used to be. Just ease in slowly so you don't get crazy red or peely. I did about 2-3 a week to start and now at 4x a week. Love that this gets rid of hyperpigmentation quickly."

9 / 10
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26 Report
  • Edd...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 13, 2019

Retin-A (tretinoin) for Acne "I was put on Retin-A 0.5 gel to help manage my moderate acne. So far, I have been using this medication for about a month and two weeks and have noticed great results. At first, I broke out more and my skin looked worse. But just a few weeks ago, I noticed my skin starting to really heal a lot. I use this in combination with Cetaphil face wash. I do have some scarring from acne (mainly leftover red marks) and it really helps with that. My skin texture is a lot smoother and more even. I have only had a few new pimples arrive since starting this medication. I continue to keep using it for a very long time to manage my acne and for its anti-aging benefits. If you're curious about starting this medication, don’t be, I wish I had started it years ago when I first got teenage acne."

9 / 10
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30 Report
  • tre...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 12, 2021

For Acne "I just wanted to write a review in hopes that it motivates people to continue their tretinoin journeys. I began tretinoin over 18 weeks ago. I purged for the entirety of those 18 weeks. I had painful, under-the-surface cysts, and my face was red and inflamed. I stuck to my simple skincare routine, and now, at 18 weeks, my skin is beginning to heal. Don't give up hope! Keep going - it absolutely gets better. Also, I found that salicylic acid was causing my inflammation and dryness. After I stopped using a salicylic acid face wash, my skin began to heal at a faster rate."

7 / 10
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22 Report
  • Mak...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 26, 2015

Retin-A (tretinoin) for Acne "Yes, it works. That's the question you have, and it does. If you have time, read my story, it'll be worth it. I'm 17 and live in Miami, so the weather here is pretty much hot all year round. I'm not an active outside person, so I do not get acne because of sports or anything. I guess it's just a phase. I've had acne since 6th grade, and it sucked. I finally made an appointment with the dermatologist on December 11. He prescribed me tretinoin, also known as Retin-A 0.1%, the strongest strength, and clindamycin phosphate lotion as the antibiotic. So I was told to apply clindamycin every night, and Retin-A every three nights, but let's face it. We all think applying it daily will help you get results faster. Well, it doesn't, all it does is irritate."

10 / 10
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45 Report

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  • Anonymous
  • December 31, 2010

Atralin (tretinoin) for Acne "I am 39 years old, experiencing hormonal acne along the jawline and T-zone. As others noted, I used Acanya and Atralin together, experiencing excellent results. I now just use Atralin (and have for a year). I love it. I think it helps fade my melasma too. I also take a vitamin called Herpanacine. It has helped tremendously with my body acne, which is nearly impossible to fight without a horrible pill. It is natural, no side effects, and really, really works. I wish I had known about it earlier in life, would have saved me some heartache... which is why I want to share."

10 / 10
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59 Report
  • Ell...
  • January 11, 2020

Retin-A (tretinoin) for Acne "I have jawline acne, dark patches from pigmentation, and uneven skin tone and blemishes from years of cystic acne. I am 44 and Asian. Day 1 to 2, the gel stung like crazy, itchy and warm skin, and redness. Days 3 to 8, peeling skin, inflamed look after washing face. Stinging and itchy. Days 8 and 9, skin is very taut. I needed extra petroleum jelly plus my regular moisturizer, although my regular moisturizer. Days 9 and 10, skin is sensitive, shiny, that I need to use makeup. For peeling skin, I reapply petroleum jelly at the first signs of dryness or flakiness. I used hydrocortisone on itchy spots. On day 10, I stopped using soap to wash my face as it is drying. I use lukewarm water to wash off the petroleum jelly on my face and pat dry my skin. The dryness has reduced today, day 10. I can use the gel without it stinging my skin or being taut and dry. By day 10, my face appears to be clearer in some places, spots are fading. Skin texture is smooth, though tender."

10 / 10
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27 Report
  • Sea...
  • September 8, 2015

Retin-A (tretinoin) for Acne "My skin was at its worst in my prime adulthood age, so I decided to try Retin-A. I've been using the 0.025% Retin-A gel for 2 months now. I didn't have the initial 'purge' that most talk about, however, I believe it's because I was prescribed the gel vs. cream. Anyways, I overdid it the first week by not following doctor's orders and applying daily right off the bat. Don't, haha. My skin got so dry and flaky that I even burned my chin on my bed while sleeping from my skin being so thin. After that initial scare, I followed my doctor's instructions and gradually worked up to every night use. Best skin in years. Try it, it works! Just don't forget to moisturize a lot. Sunscreen when you go out! Don't overdo it like I did."

10 / 10
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43 Report
  • Cou...
  • February 19, 2020

Retin A Micro (tretinoin) for Acne "I've been using Retin A Micro for about 4 months now. In the first week of use, I experienced dry, flaking skin. If any area was super irritated, I put Aquaphor on, it was healed overnight. The first 2-5 weeks, my skin broke out worse than before I started using it, however, the pimples were smaller than usual and would clear up quickly. Weeks 6-7, my skin looked like it was finally clearing up, with the exception of two stubborn areas. Those areas didn't improve in this time but didn't get worse. Weeks 8-10, the two problem areas cleared up almost completely, but unfortunately, I was left with hyperpigmentation. I had minor breakouts on my chin. Weeks 10-12, breakouts stopped. No more purging. Skin clear, with the exception of blackheads on my nose and chin. Weeks 13-16, still have the blackheads, although they seem to be dissipating. Skin texture feels AWESOME. Still have the hyperpigmentation on my cheeks. All in all, I LOVE this stuff."

10 / 10
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  • Lau...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • September 10, 2018

Retin-A (tretinoin) for Acne "Retin-A honestly changed my life! The first 6 months were awful. Hated my skin more by the day. But there is a huge silver lining! Fast forward a few months, and my skin is glowing, smooth, and hardly a single breakout. I'm 23 and have battled all sorts of acne throughout my life. That came along with some serious scarring. While there is definitely a way to go for the scarring, it's helped tremendously."

10 / 10
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31 Report
  • Ale...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 15, 2017

Retin-A (tretinoin) for Acne "I was on Accutane (isotretinoin) from December 2015 to July 2016. I had severe acne all over my face, chest, back, and shoulders. Post-Accutane, my skin was clear as water, and I got so many compliments on my skin. My skin was clear, and I never got one pimple until mid-April 2017. I noticed pimples reappearing on my skin. I got in touch with my derm, and she prescribed me tretinoin 0.025% and a face wash-sodium sulfacetamide with salicylic acid. I am now on 0.05%, and I have been on the gel for a little over 8 weeks. I have seen significant improvement since I started, and I did experience about a month and a half of initial breakout. I highly recommend this gel, and don't give up! It takes time, and my skin is still clearing up. Patience!!!!!"

9 / 10
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  • Col...
  • May 20, 2017

For Acne "At age 36, my acne started to come back after a stressful time. It was concentrated on my chin and was relentless. New cysts every single day. My doctor prescribed tretinoin cream plus an oral antibiotic (doxycycline). I was so nervous about starting because I read so much about it getting worse before it got better. But to my amazement, after just a few days, I started to see drastic improvement. Not a single new pimple, the existing ones healed quickly, and scars are fading fast. I'm shocked (and extremely happy!) at how well this worked for me."

10 / 10
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  • Acn...
  • March 7, 2017

For Acne "Started tretinoin cream 0.025%. Three weeks out. Yes, you will get dry and peeling, and yes, possible breakouts. It's the cream working. I am 41 and have acne deeply embedded in my chin. With just three weeks on the cream, not only does the acne embedded seem to be loosening up and such, I didn't realize it also helps with the tone of your skin and fine wrinkles. I love this product. Would like to try a stronger percentage next visit. Follow instructions. I use mine at night, I do my cleansing as always, however, let your skin rest for 20 to 30 minutes as instructions recommend and apply. Pea size does work. Less is more in this case. You will waste product if using too much. Be patient, and results will follow. Love it."

10 / 10
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  • CDM...
  • December 25, 2013

For Photoaging of the Skin "I have Irish skin, whatever that means, kind of pearl white, ha ha, and I've lost a lot of weight, so yeah, the wrinkly's come out more. I apply Bio Oil before the gel dries and penetrates the skin. The secret is to be constant and not overdo it."

8 / 10
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  • Ann...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 6, 2016

Retin-A (tretinoin) for Acne "I have posted early before about my 1st and 2nd week using Retin-A 0.025 cream. My 3rd week was much better than my second week, some of my acne started to calm down, and my face felt less bumpy. During this week, I started to use the cream 4 times a week because my cheeks were hurting. My 4th week was the most improvement. I started to use the cream every night again since my face had stopped hurting. During the 4th week, most of my pimples disappeared, and my skin felt smoother. I still had some pimples popping up, but not as much. Now my cheeks are pretty smooth with a couple of pimples, but my cheeks are really red from the scars that were left behind from the pimples. I'm hoping they will slowly fade later. Will keep updating!"

9 / 10
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  • Ann...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 5, 2016

Retin-A (tretinoin) for Acne "2 or 3 months ago, I did a review for this product. It starts off around me saying that 'I'm 18 years old and started using Retin-A for 6 weeks or so.' So this is an update... I'm into my 5th month, and WOW! My skin is so much clearer. Trust me, no one likes acne, I've gone through it. But this cream has been helping me so much. The purging sucks! Whiteheads show up, but don't give up on it. After 1 month, you'll see a difference. When I started, I had red blemishes on my cheeks, and now it's long gone. Just some marks here and there. I still get pimples here and there, but not as much as I used to. This product is the best, I'm so happy using Retin-A. I recommend washing my face morning and night (Cetaphil Soap). Take antibiotics. Mine is (minocycline 50)."

10 / 10
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  • kha...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 22, 2015

Retin-A (tretinoin) for Acne "I was suffering from acne due to my sensitive skin and severe summer heat. I tried my teenage acne cream in my late twenties, but I felt it was too mild to work on my much matured skin like now. Then one of my friends, who was a satisfied user of Retin-A, suggested I use Retin-A 0.05%. I started it in the winter to avoid over-sweating and heat of summer. I faced a little flaky skin. The first two weeks my acne broke out a little more than usual, but after that, the acne seemed to decrease. Whenever I felt too dry skin other than the acne-affected area, I used pure Vaseline. Now I am cured and my skin is glowing. I am continuing the use of Retin-A with my regular night cream for its anti-aging properties. And I am quite satisfied with this."

9 / 10
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  • Lau...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 19, 2019

For Acne "I’ve always had mild acne, redness, and blotchy skin. I started working at a derm clinic and had heard great things about tretinoin from working there. I started using it on the lowest dose (0.025%) and the results were nice, not too overwhelming but nice. I’ve been using the higher dose now (0.05%) for a little over a week and OH MY GOD. My face is definitely flaking and dry, but it has never, EVER in my life, been this soft. I can’t stop looking at myself in the mirror, feeling how smooth it is, AHH I’m so happy. I still have minimal redness and discoloration, but bumps?? Nope. Not one. I have ditched all other skin care items over the counter that claim to work because nothing has ever given me results like this."

10 / 10
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  • Sar...
  • January 8, 2016

For Photoaging of the Skin "It is effective on both aging and acne, but I used it so long I think I built up a tolerance of sorts. I switch it up with Tazorac to keep my skin guessing. I like the cream better in the winter (less drying) and the gel better in the summer (when my skin gets oily)."

7 / 10
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  • Lau...
  • September 4, 2019

For Acne "I've always had mild acne. In July I broke out horribly on my whole cheek, nose, and side of my face. They were painful cystic acne bumps that you couldn't pop. So, I went to the dermatologist and she gave me 0.025% Tretinoin. The third week on it my acne started to get horrible. Like the worst of my life. Everything said to keep going and stick it out, so I did. It kept getting worse. I cried every night, embarrassed of my face. Then, it started to clear up. One day later my entire face broke out even worse than the first time. I'm stopping this medication, as it hasn't helped me in the slightest. My self-confidence has been the lowest its ever been, and I can't stand it anymore. Please, if you know you don't like getting pimples, don't try this product. It will only hurt more than it will help. And trust me, I tried to look past reviews that said it was horrible, hoping I would be different. It's not worth crying every night and not being able to look at yourself in a mirror."

1 / 10
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  • Fra...
  • November 28, 2011

Retin-A (tretinoin) for Photoaging of the Skin "This medication may be great for those struggling with extreme oiliness and acne, but it actually caused me to break out! I wanted the benefits of it's ability to help strengthen collagen and help with evening out skin tone etc... but I got overly dry super sensitive acne ridden skin instead. I recently waxed areas of my face that needed it, even after not using the product a couple of days and I was bleeding! I've never had this problem before. My skin has always been very resilient and able to handle most anything. But it doesn't seem to agree with this product. I will have to find a different approach to maintaining my youth."

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  • Jes...
  • December 20, 2014

For Acne "My doctor says I have mild acne, but I would say I have more moderate to severe acne. I was prescribed this product and have been using it for about a week. This product has dried out my skin insanely and has made my face incredibly red. My skin has also begun to flare up since using it. After reading the reviews, I am going to stay patient and hope for the best with this product."

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  • ema...
  • April 25, 2015

Retin-A (tretinoin) for Acne "I was on the 0.1 cream started in Oct 2014 and ended early March. I got it for whiteheads and uneven skin tone. After 4 1/2 months, whiteheads diminished but left with even more scarring. We are going into May, and my skin hasn't healed. Just ugly red chickenpox on my face. :( Another con about this product is that my skin texture isn't the same. When I was on it, it was smooth, but after I finished the tube, it's just dull and my pores are huge. It just looks terrible and so much thinner, and my skin tone is still uneven. It's depressing how much this cream has given me the uglies. It aged my skin 20 years. I'm only 23 and female, by the way. I don't know what to do now."

3 / 10
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  • JCW...
  • January 16, 2015

For Acne "I am a 17-year-old girl, an acne sufferer for nearly 8 years now. This is the end of week 1 on tretinoin 0.025, and my face is peeling and itchy, but I know to expect worse breakouts before the better results. My problem area for acne, however, has not been my face in five years. It's always been my back and shoulders. While I'm noticing a fade in scars already, I'm going to keep an eye on it. I wish I'd been prescribed a moisturizer or at least told to find one."

8 / 10
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  • Tre...
  • November 7, 2014

For Acne "I've been using tretinoin cream 0.05% for one month now. I've had a lot of itching, burning, peeling, and yes, a whole lot more breaking out. I bear the pain and suffering from this medicine, and I'm very happy I did because my face is looking so much better, and my acne is clearing up. I use it only at night, 20 minutes after washing my face with CeraVe face wash, along with CeraVe SA lotion in the morning as my moisturizer, and I have to say it's working very well. If you are using tretinoin and you're getting more breakouts, do not discontinue this medication, keep on using it, you will get great results."

10 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.